24th March 2019
Herts Visual Arts Celebrates with a THIRD Big Art Fair
Following the highly successful launch of a new Art Fair for Hertfordshire in 2017, Herts Visual Arts (HVA) is back with their Big Art Fair for a third year during the ever-popular Hitchin Festival. Run by and for HVA members: more than 50 artists and designer-makers from across Hertfordshire will display their work at the newly refurbished Hitchin Town Hall Saturday and Sunday July 13th and 14th.
Open to the public from 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday the Big Art Fair is free to enter. A number of exhibitors will be at the Fair during the weekend, offering unique opportunities to meet the artists themselves.
This year, our Big Art Fair feature more than 50 2D and 3D artists and artisans. Perfect for every taste, an exciting and enticing array of paintings, mixed media, printing, photography, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, glass and more awaits visitors - all for sale. With options from greetings cards to larger statement pieces, original unique art alongside limited editions, there’s something for every pocket – a range of prices that won’t break the bank.
At our Preview Night (just £2 on the door, including complementary refreshments), Artists, Sponsors, invited guests and the general public will enjoy a wonderful relaxed evening, with opportunities to chat to the artists and perhaps purchase their work. In addition, the Preview Night also includes the presentation of Sponsors Choice Award certificates, and the launch of our 2019 Herts Open Studios brochure.
If you would like an invitation, please do get in touch. HVA also welcomes further enquiries from potential sponsors.
Following the resounding success of our ‘Visitors Vote’ award last year, all visitors can vote for their favourite artist, with a certificate going to the most popular exhibitor who receives the most votes by closing time on the Sunday afternoon.
Our 2018 award-winners were Visitors Vote: Daniela Coronel Saavedra (Abstract Painting). Sponsors Choice: Paula Barnard-Groves (Sculpture), Judith Moule (Painting), Beverley Sweetman (Painting/Mosaics), Sharon Korek (Glass) and Dorienne Carmel (Ceramics, Sculpture).
Herts Visual Arts members who originally brought this idea to reality are Sharon Korek (Glass Artist), Sandy Andrews (Painter), Laura Dunmow (Painter) and Sally Taylor (Textiles and illustration) are joined this year by abstract painter Debbie Knight. "After the success of our last 2 years, we’re delighted to repeat this exciting North Hertfordshire event. This year will again feature variety of skills and creativity in our membership, including many new members taking part in our Big Art Fair for the first time.” explains Sally, textile artist and illustrator, "This venue worked very well last year and we are again able to take advantage of the Hitchin Festival which always attracts so many visitors."
With the marketing put together by representational artist Laura and the display stands managed by visual artist Sandy, our third Big Art Fair looks set to wow our audience for a third year running.
This now annual event creates a huge buzz and is always extremely popular with both our members and the visiting public", HVA Chair Hillary Taylor confirms, "we have such a talented and committed group of HVA members who create and repeat events like this to bring an amazing and even wider range of art to the forefront and benefit our members too.
More creativity, more fun, more buzz, more laughter in our lives
About
Herts Visual Arts is the largest county-wide volunteer run organisation for amateur and professional artists and makers in Hertfordshire. An annual programme includes members meetings, exhibitions, Art Showcases, the Big Art Fair and Herts Open Studios.
Many join simply to be part in Open Studios each year – but there is so much more to the excellent value annual membership (currently just £40 per year)*Registration for Open Studios is not included in the cost of membership.
Benefits of annual membership include a gallery on the HVA web site, social media promotion across HVA platforms and a PRIVATE Facebook group to connect with other members. There’s also access to opportunities and a full annual programme of meetings and events, just for members. A monthly newsletter includes news, opportunities and exhibitions across Hertfordshire, as well as hints, tips and articles on Open Studios, marketing and more. Members can also promote their workshops, classes, exhibitions and publications and contribute to the newsletter itself.
Non-members can sign up to our newsletters Free of Charge.
12th April – 1st June: Herts Visual Arts Big Art Showcase, New Maynard Gallery, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6BX A rich mix of creativity and skill on show for this annual HVA member’s Big Art Showcase, with more than 50 Hertfordshire artists and artisan makers taking part. First in a series of 2019 member-led events, a visual feast awaits gallery visitors with a wide range of paintings, drawings, ceramics, glass, textiles, mixed media and more on display. HVA members are all artists who live or work in Hertfordshire.
9th-12th May: Herts Visual Arts Living Crafts Showcase at Hatfield House. Visit the HVA Marquee at Living Crafts for a fantastic opportunity to meet 24 members. Each day six different 2D and 3D artists will be on hand, ready to talk to visitors who can experience art in the making, watch demonstrations and see completed work on show. A unique chance to purchase direct from the artist/maker.
13th-14th July: Herts Visual Arts Big Art Fair. Our exclusive Preview Night in the evening of Friday 12th July will feature/launch the 2019 Herts Open Studios Brochure as well as Sponsors Choice Award Certificates.
7th-29th September: Herts Open Studios 2019
Herts Open Studios is Herts Visual Arts annual flagship event, when artists open their doors to visitors. Details of participating venues and artists will be available on line and in print from summer 2019, with the brochure launch at the Big Art Fair. There is also a comprehensive advertising and sponsorship offering.
The easiest way to join HVA is online
Web: www.hvaf.org.uk
Twitter: @HVAF #HertsOpenStudios #BigArtFair
Facebook: @HertsVisualArts
Instagram: @HertsVisualArtsChair
Press Release by Hillary Taylor chair@hvaf.org.uk
Press contacts are:
For marketing email Kelly marketing@hvaf.org.uk